Francisco Serrano, the beloved Patriarch of the Serrano family would have been 90 years old today. He was an Outstanding and unbelievably loving man with a heart of compassion and generosity. Francisco Serrano is now in heaven and he has gone to his reward. It is difficult to witness his, now, empty room and the little home that he graced for 21 years. Francisco Serrano had a great love of life and an infectious wit that lit up each party. I will take this special moment To turn my thoughts to Dad. It was the autumn of 2005 when his second wife, Maria Balsera quietly passed away. It was at that very moment when I saw a very vulnerable man that could not live alone. I remembered how he went through many changes when my mom had passed away 18 years earlier. I did not want that to happen to him all over again. I had to make a pivotal decision. I proposed in my heart to take care of this man that had taken of me for so many years.. These were his last years on earth and I wanted him to live in peace and tranquility. My late step-mother had entrusted him to me. She had signed all of the necessary legalities to ensure that her husband would live out the rest of his life in peace and security.Too many people had taken advantage of him and I was determined to not let that happen to him. Francisco Serrano was able to travel and enjoy his life. It was often hard for him because he wanted to keep doing the things that he enjoyed throughout his life. At 85 years old, he was still showing the resilience and the fast wit and charm, but i start noticing that he was beginning to show signs of dementia. At first I shielded him from that debility and cloaked him with his much deserved dignity. I started reading all books on the subject of Alzheimer's disease. It was great to be able to bond with him and enjoy all those trips that I made with him to allow him to enjoy holidays in Miami, Orlando, St.Augustine. I wanted to take him to his beloved Puerto Rico but his failing health was not permitting that particular type of travel. I spent alot of time thanking him for all he had done to shape my life. I Thank him for the home he gave us in Queens, New York. My father was a collector. He could not throw anything away. I remember when I was very young, My mother would ask him to clear out the garage of all of the accumulation of stuff that he would carefully store. He would agree reluctantly and quietly Begin to take all of the things out of the garage and place them in the station wagon. My brothers and I would help him. we enjoyed spending time with him because he was a very jolly and loving man to be with. He would have the station wagon filled to the max and there was only enough room for us to get in and join him on this unique journey. Dad would look at all his stuff in the station wagon and with his classic "Hay Bendito" he reluctantly hopped in the station wagon to throw away all of his supposedly prized items from the garage. Three hours would pass by and my dad would come back with all of the stuff and More new stuff on top of the station wagon and he would quietly place it all back in the garage. He would also fill some stuff in the basement without mom knowing about it. we would help him. This was an endless ritual, much to the chagrin of Felicita. Francisco Serrano was a hard worker and we were always grateful to him For all the things we had. when I think about my Dad, I think about the fleeting years Too quickly, gone for good. It seems like only yesterday. I’d go back if I could. It was a time when Dad was always there, No matter what the weather. I remember the many nights that he would pull out the sleds and let us slide in the frigid snow for what seemed hours. He would love to see us in the snow, having a great time.Francisco Serrano was Always strong when things went wrong .He held our lives together. He strived so hard from day to day And never once complained. Dad worked two jobs. One at night and one during the day. a family member once declared; "Panchito sleeps in on job and eats in the day job" That was only said in jest. My Dad had an enormous amount of energy in the early years and he would often get by with only a few hours sleep. With steady hands, he worked the land in our backyard during his very few hours of spare time. He was always planting or building something in the attic or the basement. He was non-stop and this is what kept him very healthy. He taught us what it meant to be a Serrano. He was a very humble man And remained in the shadows of his Bible Teaching wife for many years. He was her silent partner..He taught us that hard work pays off .You reap just what you sow . I remember the shop that he had in the basement. All of us would run to have him mend or repair a broken toy. I once tried to repair a lamp with scotch tape and he frowned at me and told me" Noel, you have to make certain that whatever you do, will stay permanent" Do things right the first time so that it will last!" I never forgot that advice. It was very poignent and it became a clarion call.He said that if you tend your crops Your field will overflow.My harvest has been bountiful. He taught me how to give In his firm and steadfast way. He taught me how to live. Dad dwells among the angels now. He left us much too soon. He glides across a golden field Above the harvest moon. I see him in the fields of grain. He rides upon the wind And when my path is beaten down, His wonder example lifts me up again.When we were just small children, Our Hero, Dad, was you. There was nothing you couldn't fix Or Find a way to do. You were so strong and perfect In our young adoring eyes. We knew no other dad could be So wonderful and wise. Although we see a lot of things, Much differently these days, You're still our shining hero In so many special ways, For whenever we're together, Dad, Our adoring eyes again look to your shining example. This man we're very proud of And we give our love to you. Happy Birthday, Dad!
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